(nautical) Any of the cross ropes between the shrouds, which form a net like ropework, allowing sailors to climb up towards the top of the mast.Quotations
1980: That meant it was not possible to use ratlines -- that is, to make ropeladders out of the shrouds by adding small connecting pieces of ropes. — Richard W. Unger, The Ship in the Medieval Economy 600-1600, page 34.
